Fine range of specialty wild and estate teas

Tea has been known in Vietnam for many years but it is only relatively recent that tea has been grown and produced in any quantity. However, the growth in tea production has been impressive and the country now ranks 5th or 6th in the world for tea production.

It is probable that the tea plant (camellia sinensis) was native to an area ranging from the Pacific coast of Asia westwards to the Himalayas that straddles southern China, northern Vietnam and parts of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and India. In these countries, locals used the tea leaf as a herb or medicine and would either chew the leaf or boil it in water. Whatever the origins it was undoubtedly the Chinese who first embarked on organised production of what eventually became the world's most popular beverage.

In Vietnam, tea production has had a stuttering history badly disrupted by war and conflict. Since the 1980's production has increased dramatically and yet, despite this, Vietnam is not well known for its teas and most is destined to find itself in blends rather than being branded as Vietnamese tea. Part of the reason for this is that looking at the industry as a whole the quality of the tea produced is average at best. However, hidden among the this rough there are bound to be some diamonds and this is what we have been searching for and discovered at Hatvala.

Our philosophy at Hatvala has been to spend many years travelling around the tea growing areas of Vietnam to research and discover teas that stand out due to character, aroma and taste. This can take a lot of time but in the process we have visited some of the most stunning countryside in the country. Although the quality of tea is paramount we also ensure that it is produced with care, is free from chemicals and is ethically produced. Many of the teas are produced from wild tea trees that have grown for centuries on the cool mountain slopes of northern Vietnam close to the Chinese border.

Our premium range of teas comprise excellent examples of the different types of tea available including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea as well as flavoured varieties. We sell teas in retail packs or in bulk depending on customer requirements and can deliver both within Vietnam or overseas. At moment we do not sell on-line so please go to our Contact page for details.

The western central highlands region including the provinces of Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum where tea is grown at altitudes between 850 and 1500 metres above sea level. As with the north west, the climate and soil are suitable for aromatic oolong varieties but due its southern location enjoys a longer growing season than its northern counterpart. Click to see the Hatvala map of the Major Tea Regions of Vietnam.